photo: Jim Ferri

Unless it's a celebration of a major monument such as the Statue of Liberty, most national or state anniversaries aren't of interest to anyone but historical authors and social studies teachers.

But this year the Sesquicentennial of the Civil War -- the 150^th anniversary of the massive conflict that engulfed the nation and sometimes pitted brother against brother -- is different. The U.S. is now brimming over with reenactments of the Civil War, and they're not of interest only to history buffs. They're theater, and you have the opportunity to have a front-row seat.

More than 30 states have sites related to the Civil War and many reenactments have already begun. More will be taking place throughout the rest of the year, mainly in the eastern half of the country. California will be the only state hosting reenactments in the West since it's the only state where Union troops were stationed during the conflict.

Not all reenactment sites recreate battles and skirmishes. Still, though, it's fascinating to walk through the encampments and speak with the various participants. Their uniforms and weapons have all been meticulously researched for authenticity and since the actors often remain in character as they interact with you, you'll sometimes feel you're having a conversation with someone 150 years ago.

I recently visited two reenactments at opposite ends of the country. One was at Ft. Moultrie National Monument on Sullivan's Island outside Charleston, SC, the other at Roaring Camp Railroad, the site of an old mining camp deep in the woods in Fenton, CA, about a 1½ hour ride south of San Francisco. I'm not a history buff and was unaware of these reenactments until I stumbled upon them, but both were exceptional experiences. Click here or on the photo above to see a short video of the two.

The Ft. Moultrie encampment was at a coastal battery on Charleston Harbor that helped protect Charleston during the Civil War. The modern-day Confederates there, both the soldiers and women and children dressed in period costumes, really made one feel as...  

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I just read a series of articles in Southwest Airline's in-flight magazine about Charleston, SC. It reminded me of my visit there three months ago, a trip that both allowed me to see the city, as well as my old friends Tom and Pat.

I quickly found there are plenty of things to do in Charleston, too much in fact, for the few days I spent there. Take the ferry to Fort Sumter National Monument out there smack in the middle of the harbor, visit the Old City market, wander through museums and numerous galleries, and you'll realize that you've barely scratched the surface. And if you're addicted to architecture or history, you'll notice so many Georgian, Federal, Adamesque, Greek Revival, Italianate, and Victorian homes that you wonder if they've left any for anyone else. Just bring some good walking shoes, and opt for a carriage ride to get a more personal perspective of the city.

But what's really interesting about Charleston and the Lowcountry (one word, as I was chided in an email prior to arrival) are the plantations around the city. One good one is Boone Hall Plantation, one of the oldest working plantations in the U.S., about a half-hour north of downtown. Touted as "America's Most ..." 

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Not all travel needs to take you overseas. Here are suggestions (with directions) for seven driving trips in the USA and Canada that are certain to provide wonderful experiences.

Choose from trips including the Pacific Northwest to Montana, Southern Appalachia to the Sea, Best of the Southwest, the Nova Scotia Loop and more.

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Forget plain old spas -- wellness is the buzzword now. There are retreats around the world that give you a medical overhaul while you sun, swim and dine on healthy gourmet fare. CNN has chosen ten in Italy, Spain, Indonesia, California, Israel and other places around the globe.

To read the entire article click here 

New Zealand has become a wine-making superpower. If you plan on traveling to New Zealand but are undecided on exactly when, consider going during September or October to enjoy the Real New Zealand Festival, which takes place countrywide -- including many vineyards and wineries.

Here's a list of the top wine-producing areas of New Zealand. (photo: Adam Selwood)

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Boone Hall Plantation, outside of Charleston, SC, is the most photographed plantation in the U.S., and for good reason. It not only has a spectacular setting, its tours and programs, especially along "Slave Street," provide insights into history  you'll find nowhere else.

Click here or on the photo to view the video